USA: Cape Wind Opponents Protest at Barnstable Town Council Meeting

During the public comment part of the Barnstable Town Council Meeting, president of the Alliance to Protect Nantucket Sound, Audra Parker, protested against Cape Wind referring to great increase in future cost of electricity for local residents.

She pointed out that the initial annual increase in utility bills for the Town of Barnstable would be USD 40,000and could rise up toUSD 75,000 through 15years of the contract. The estimation for small local businesses points to an amount of USD 2,200 monthly paid for electricity.

The Barnstable-Hyannis Patch informs that Parker’s estimated amounts are very similar to those of Cape Wind. However, Cape Wind highlights the benefits of clean energy and employment increase. Its proposed tall turbines will bring around 50 full-time jobs and up to 1,000 short-term jobs in its construction phase.

None of the councillors stated their opinions on this subject at the meeting.

The two final hearings regarding Cape Wind’s construction plans in Nantucket Sound will be held on May 23 at Barnstable High School and in Boston on May 30.

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Offshore WIND staff, May 22, 2012; Image: Cape Wind